April 1st, 2009 — 5 Stars, Book Review, Cursed Lead, Gentry, Highlander, Julia London, Scotland, Virgin Heroine
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Highlander in Love is one of the sweetest, most delightful romances I have had the pleasure to read. Julia London spins a masterful tale that weaves the magic of Scotland into your heart. The intimate scenes between Payton and Mared are thrillingly sensual and are on a scale of not to hot, super hot. Highlander in Love combines all of the genre’s standard plots in a delightful new way.
Payton Douglas, Laird of Eilean Ros, has two hobbies: sheep raising, whiskey brewing. He has been in love with Mared Lockhart for years, the vibrant young woman from the castle Talla Dileas on the other side of the mountain. She does not hold any affection for him at all as he’s a Douglas, the enemy, the man she believes who brought destitution down on the heads of her family.
Mared has a curse upon her, one that has lived in the family for hundreds of years with devastating consequences. No daughter of a Lockhart will ever marry until she looks into the belly of the devil. Those that try to wed find themselves dead or their lovers dead. Separated from the rest of the lochs because of this curse, Mared grew into a young vivacious woman with a lot of sass. Payton finds her irresistible.
However, the Lockharts’ are in dire straights. With the introduction of sheep to the lochs, cows were not bringing in the money they’d used to bring. A large loan of 3,000 pounds was extended by Payton to Mared’s father with her hand in marriage as collateral should they fail to pay the loan back in a year.
Then the scoundrel Hugh MacAlister stole the beastie from the Lockharts, leaving them without a way to repay Douglas. But Mared won’t marry a Douglas! Determined to bring Miss Beitris Crowley into Payton’s esteem, Mared hopes that he’ll offer for Beitris instead. But Payton won’t be deterred, and in desperation Mared breaks off the betrothal.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Wounded by her refusal, Payton lashes out and demands that the loan be paid, as agreed upon the collateral of Mared’s promise. He forces Mared into his house as a housekeeper. But she vows to never serve him.
Packed full of wonderful dialog and scenes, this is just the tip of the iceberg with Highlander in Love. Payton is the new Mr. Darcy; composed, misunderstood, passionate, wealthy, and desperately lonely. How will he overcome Mared’s hate of the Douglas clan and see his way to a future built on the glimmering foundation of dreams?
Rating: 5 Stars
Buy: Highlander in Love
Originally posted 2008-12-02 14:44:15. Republished by Old Post Promoter
August 22nd, 2008 — Contests
Good morning everyone! It is a fabulous Friday and I am sitting here drinking my Prince of Wales tea. Hmm… so delicious. A few moments ago I drew the name of the winner from last week’s contest. The lucky winner is Marcia!
Marcia reviewed the Perils of Pursing a Prince by Julia London as her contestant entry.
If you didn’t win this time, don’t be bummed. There will be plenty of chances in the future to win a prize. In fact, there will be two signed book giveaways in the next upcoming weeks. Keep an eye out!
Congratulations Marcia! Don’t forget to drop us a comment before the end of the day. What will you get with your gift card?
Have a fantastic weekend everybody!
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August 18th, 2008 — 3 Stars, Contests, Dukes and Earls, England, Guest Reviews, Historical Romance, Julia London, Scotland
Marcia is the first person to respond to the $10 Gift Card Contest! Her review for us this week by Julia London and looks to be a devilishly wild ride across England. The story mixes modern language with historical settings which might turn you off reading, but the the thrill behind the tale should hook you back in easily.
Lady Greer Fairchild is on a journey to find her inheritance in this second novel of the Desperate Debutantes trilogy. She began her travels in London as the companion of Mrs. Smithington who wanted a little adventure and to see more than just London before she died. Unfortunately, Mrs. Smithington did die before Greer finishes her journey. A gentleman by the name of Mr. Percy has been traveling with them and has been a charming and helpful companion during the trip. After the death of Mrs. Smithington, he suggests that they continue the journey together, since their destination is the same.
Greer is desperate to continue into Wales where she has learned that her inheritance is in the hands of a distant relative of her deceased stepfather. It is for this reason that she agrees to continue her journey with just the company of Mr. Percy even though she knows that to do so would ruin her reputation. The distant relative is none other than the Prince of Powys, a man who is known to Mr. Percy as a thief. Mr. Percy has many a dark tale to tell of this prince, Rhodrick Glendower, Earl of Radnor, and Greer is terrified when they meet him riding a fearsome stallion on the road to the Earl’s castle.
The setting is out of a gothic novel with the wild countryside of Wales, a large oppressive looking castle and a dark brooding prince. There are also strange dreams, ghosts and mysterious past crimes none of which really add up to a true gothic atmosphere since there is no real mystery or suspense. The reader knows immediately that Mr. Percy is no gentleman and Rhodrick Glendower is a kind loveable person depicted as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We also know that Rhodrick could never have committed the mysterious crimes and that they were probably committed by Mr. Percy. Instead of trying to imitate early 19th century speech, Ms. London has written the dialog a frank, modern style that may or may not appeal to readers. Even so, this is an enjoyable albeit light story.
Rating: 3 Stars
Thank you Marcia for writing to us! If you’ve just finished reading a romance novel and want to write review but weren’t sure how check out RRN’s submission guidelines for tips and advice to get started.
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